Amid the global wave of sustainable development, the Taitung County Government is showcasing its innovative vision by leveraging technology to drive smart governance, integrating digital transformation with environmental sustainability. In October 2022, the Taitung County Tax Bureau launched the “Taitung Smart Tax Platform” (東稅視訊e點靈), a groundbreaking service designed to provide user-friendly tax solutions while promoting a low-carbon lifestyle. This initiative offers citizens a seamless and efficient way to engage with tax services, embodying a fresh approach to digital governance with sustainability at its core.
This innovative video service platform breaks away from traditional paper-based operations. Citizens can use their smartphones or tablets to easily apply for 45 types of tax documents, such as property and income statements or house tax registration certificates. The platform embodies the service principles of “zero contact,” “zero distance,” and “zero time lag.” Notably, the design considers the diverse needs of all demographic groups. For seniors and new residents, a convenient voice-guided filling service is available. Users are not required to apply for credentials, download an app, or register an account. Instead, they can interact with tax officers in real-time through video calls, with professional assistance provided to complete the application process. This user-friendly approach significantly enhances accessibility and convenience.
To broaden its service scope, the Tax Bureau has extended this platform to township offices, land administration offices, and household registration offices throughout Taitung County, creating a comprehensive local service network. Citizens can choose from various options to receive their documents, including mail, email, or in-person collection at nearby offices, based on their personal preferences. This approach not only saves time but also reduces unnecessary travel, contributing to carbon reduction and sustainability efforts. By integrating convenience with eco-conscious practices, the platform embodies Taitung’s commitment to building a smarter and greener future.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Tax Bureau)
In its efforts to promote smart taxation, the Taitung County Tax Bureau has established a “Tax Savings Check-Up Center,” offering professional consultation services through taxpayer rights protection officers. This center helps citizens understand various tax reduction and exemption measures, covering areas such as land value tax, land value increment tax, and house tax. The center provides straightforward tax-saving evaluation questions and convenient online application channels, ensuring that taxpayers can legally enjoy their benefits while reducing reliance on paper-based processes. This initiative exemplifies a dual focus on tax efficiency and environmental sustainability, achieving a win-win for citizens and the planet alike.
The platform’s services have also expanded to include video inspections for applications related to property tax and entertainment tax, simplifying the review process and replacing the traditional in-person inspections. This reflects the Taitung County Government’s commitment to the principles of “openness, integration, and innovation” in governance. Through inter-agency coordination and cross-sector services, the platform proactively addresses citizens’ issues. Particularly after the major earthquake in the Hualien-Taitung area in September this year, the platform demonstrated its emergency response capability. It facilitated the release of tax relief measures for the affected areas and collaborated across agencies to implement the reductions. Citizens were also able to use the platform for video-based site inspections, showcasing the immediacy and convenience of digital services.
In promoting sustainable development, the Taitung County Tax Bureau has successfully transformed the traditional, cumbersome tax processes through the dual initiatives of the “Taitung Smart Tax Platform” platform and the “Tax Savings Check-Up Center.” Previously, citizens needed to prepare large amounts of paper documents and visit government agencies in person to apply for tax certificates or consult on tax-saving schemes, which was especially inconvenient for working individuals. In a vast county like Taitung, this not only wasted time and energy but also resulted in significant carbon emissions from transportation. Through these innovative digital services, the Tax Bureau has effectively reduced the need for physical paperwork and travel, significantly lowering carbon footprints while providing more accessible and efficient tax-related services.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Tax Bureau)
Thanks to the promotion of digital transformation, residents can now easily complete various tax applications and consultations from the comfort of their homes using a smartphone or tablet. This convenient and energy-efficient service model not only significantly reduces administrative resource consumption but also effectively lowers carbon emissions by reducing the need for travel. It represents a new chapter in Taitung’s sustainable development efforts. By perfectly combining convenience with environmental sustainability, Taitung’s smart tax services are guiding the county’s residents toward a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
“Taitung Smart Tax Platform” videocall service
